Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's knee disabilities are being reviewed again to determine if they are related to his in-service diagnosis or service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's right knee rating was restored from September 21, 2020. The other issues were remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including patellofemoral pain syndrome and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent for the period prior to October 5, 2022, and 40 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as there are no higher ratings warranted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee conditions have been denied. The highest rating of 30% has been granted for the cartilage impairment, but the other conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claim for an increased right knee rating due to inadequate VA examinations in October 2013 and January 2020. The Veteran's appeal is now pending again with a new examination required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous directives and incomplete medical opinions. The Veteran's left knee disability is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left knee disability, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The evidence does not support a finding of aggravation beyond normal progression during service.

The Veteran's claims for unspecified depressive disorder, left knee disability (claimed as a left leg condition), and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with lumbar radiculopathy have been reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and inadequate medical opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant records, including STRs and private treatment records, and seek new medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for a left knee disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right and left knee conditions should be remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim to service connection for a back condition was reopened and granted.,Service connection is now established for lumbar spine disorder and cervical spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee semilunar cartilage condition and osteoarthritis.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development due to receipt of additional VA medical records. The Veteran and his representative have not waived initial AOJ consideration of this new evidence, so the appeal is returned to the AOJ for reconsideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar strain with mild degenerative spondylitic change, right knee osteoarthritis, left hip osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease (DJD), and plantar fasciitis as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for his service-connected right knee and right shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it requires further evidence regarding the Veteran's employment history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, finding no evidence of current disabilities related to service.,Service connection was not granted as there is no medical evidence of chronic right knee or left knee conditions in service or within one year post-service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding military personnel and treatment records, as well as a need for a VA examination. The Veteran's right leg disability is being reviewed again.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remands and failure to obtain necessary medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection is being returned for further development.